When shopping for a new fence, many homeowners are stunned by how many styles and materials are available. Some people find that there are too many choices. So, it's best to know what you want before you go shopping.

Wood and vinyl are two of the most popular fence materials in Orange County. Even though both are popular with homeowners, they are very different in almost every other way. Today, we will discuss the pros and cons of getting a wood fence.

At a glance,

Pros of Wood Fencing

• Its upfront installation cost is cheap.
• If privacy is what you want, it gives you that.
• It is light and simple to install or remove.
• It is reasonably cost-effective for long-term use.
• You can paint it any color you want.
• Wood is more flexible because you can have it made into any shape and comes in any size.
• Wood is also environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

Cons of Wood Fencing

• It does not come with a warranty.
• It usually lasts between 5 and 10 years, depending on how well you take care of it.
• Fungi and dry roots can grow on wood that is breaking down.
• It needs to get painted and fixed up regularly.
• It is susceptible to termite damage.
• It fades, cracks and warps as it dries.
• It requires extra attention.

Pros of Wood Fencing in Detail

1. It Is Easy to Install

Wood fencing is easy to put up. It is possible to install one yourself if you have the right tools. But, of course, hiring some fence builders in Mission Viejo is the safest and most effective way to go!

2. It Is Very Durable

A wood fence is pretty strong, especially when you think about how much it costs. It doesn't last as long as an aluminum fence, but it lasts longer than other types, like plastic. If you take good care of your fence, it can last for many years. But there is a catch!

Even though wood fencing is strong, anything could break it. If damage does happen to a wooden fence, it's easy to fix. Most of the time, you only need to replace a few boards instead of the whole fence. Remember that you should remove the source if it is still a threat to your fence. Termites that eat your fence would be an example. In this case, you would take care of the termites before making any repairs.

3. Wood Fences Are Strong Against the Wind and Rain

Weather and climate are certain things to consider when choosing a fence. In some cities and states, the weather is pretty harsh. If you are dealing with a lot of rain and wind, then a wood fence is more than ideal. A wood fence can handle most weather except a hurricane or tornado.

4. Wood Fences Allow for Aesthetic Design

Wood fencing has a classic and aesthetically pleasing look that many people like. Wood has a nice look and feels warm and cozy. Your wooden fence will welcome you home after a long day and show people that your home is a safe place to relax. You might like the aged look of wood left to turn grey over time. Or you might prefer the look of just stained or painted wood that is clean and shiny. Most people do like the way wood looks, no matter what. Wood screams homeliness!

If you plan to sell your home soon, this is something to think about since a wood fence often appeals to potential buyers. Talk to some fence builders in Mission Viejo and get yourself a strong and beautiful wood fence before selling your property.

5. You Get to use wood Fencing in Many Ways

If you have a clear image of a white wooden picket fence or want to paint your fence a color other than white, a wood fence is a good choice. It is very useful, and you can put it to many different uses. 

For example, you can choose a fence with spaces between the slats so you can see out of the yard, or you can choose one where the slats touch for more privacy. You can paint the fence any color you want but be sure to check with your HOA. And you can stain it dark, light, or leave it natural. If you wish for easy-to-customize fence material, wood is your best choice.

6. It Is a Sustainable Choice

People often like wood fences because they are natural and made of wood. It can break down naturally and is an excellent choice for the environment. But you should know where and how the wood you use was cut down. Not all suppliers follow sustainable practices, which speeds up the effects of cutting down trees.

Cons of Wood Fencing

1. It Can Get Damaged

Wood fences may look strong, but they can get damaged. And when that happens, you'll have to pay for expensive repairs or live with a broken fence for a while.

2. It Requires Routine Maintenance

Wooden fences look great at first. But to keep it looking nice, it needs to go through maintenance every year, which can be a big job if your fence is even just a little bit big. Also, they are notoriously hard to clean, and the process of cleaning them often makes the wood even worse.

3. Faulty Installation Can Bring Problems

Wood fences that aren't put upright can cause even more problems when it comes to maintenance. There is a chance that the fence posts will start to sink into the ground, which would make the fence uneven. Then you have to live with an ugly fence or pay a lot of money to fix it.

4. It Is Vulnerable

Bugs like termites and certain kinds of mold and rot can do a lot of damage to wood fences. People who own a home or business with a wood fence need to check both sides of the fence often to make sure that minor problems aren't getting worse.

Of course, you can avoid some of the cons of wood fencing and manage it well if you have a professional team on the job. Generally speaking, wood fencing is an excellent choice for Mission Viejo homes.